Time for a pop quiz. In 1998, the U.S. bishops outlined seven themes of Catholic social teaching. Could you name all seven? How about five? Three? At least one? How about naming a few of the papal encyclicals that make up the social doctrine of the Church?

Daybreak TV Productions of the diocese has completed work on a series of disabilities-inclusion videos. Production began in the summer of 2011 and will now transition to the distribution phase. The videos will be sent out to local parishes and schools for educational and awareness purposes. The main videos are on welcoming and advocacy, along with two public service announcements designed for national distribution. 

I love the Christmas season! Except for the rampant consumerism that each year threatens to obscure the true meaning of Christmas, I delight in all the customs and traditions, the sights, sounds and scents of our annual celebration of our Savior’s birthday.

St. Pius X Parish in Getzville has created an extra layer of learning to its faith formation, or religious education, classes with the addition of a children’s choir. The choir, comprised of about a dozen children, is a voluntary activity that’s entwined with the traditional Faith Formation classes. 

The Year of Faith called for by Pope Benedict XVI has given Catholics a great opportunity to reflect on this great gift. 

Each year in our Church we are given the opportunity to prepare for the coming of our Lord and Savior. Has Advent become routine for us? Has it become more secular than sacred? Can we make this year a little more challenging for ourselves and our families? Can we make it a little different this year, the Year of Faith? 

I was speaking with Father William Quinlivan, pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Kenmore, recently. He mentioned something that was a concern to him. He said in today’s culture, it seems like Advent is falling more and more under the shadow of Christmas itself. He cited the Christmas decorations sharing the shelves with Halloween decorations in October. 

Music has influenced listeners ever since it was created. Modern music has taken a turn for the worst when it comes to the topic of the lyrics and how these lyrics influence teenagers. Some words to various songs seem to be condoning children for immoral acts. As a Catholic teen, the negative effects of this on faith are obvious.

The so-called “HHS Mandate” is the most serious threat to religious freedom in at least the last century and must be opposed by every thinking Christian. It is not just another issue; it is a threshold issue, which threatens to seriously narrow and restrict the meaning of religious freedom in this country. 
 

Although you probably have never heard of it, this document has the potential of making a tremendous difference in the lives of the poorest people on earth. But first, 15 years of accumulated dust needs to be wiped away from “Called to Global Solidarity: International Challenges for U.S. Parishes.”